EV vs petrol cost comparison shows electric cars can save thousands over their lifetime. With electricity prices averaging €0.220/kWh across the EU and petrol ranging from €1.73/L in Spain to €2.35/L in the Netherlands, the difference is substantial.
This guide breaks down the real running costs of EVs versus petrol cars using verified 2026 fuel prices and electricity rates. You'll see how charging at home compares to filling up at the pump, and why the total cost of ownership favors electric for most drivers.
How electricity costs compare to petrol costs
Petrol prices vary dramatically by market in 2026: Ireland €1.84/L, UK £1.64/L, Germany €2.236/L, Spain €1.733/L, Netherlands €2.35/L, and Sweden 16.4 kr/L. For comparison, household electricity averages €0.220/kWh EU-wide, with Ireland most expensive at €0.38/kWh and Spain cheapest at €0.267/kWh.
A typical EV uses about 0.3-0.4 kWh per mile, while a petrol car gets 40-50 mpg. At these prices, charging at home costs roughly €0.07-€0.12 per kWh versus €1.73-€2.35 per litre of petrol. This gives electric cars a fundamental 4-6x cost advantage per mile.
Home charging vs public charging costs
Home charging costs are the cheapest option. Using the EU average electricity price of €0.220/kWh, a full charge for most EVs costs about €10-€15. At public chargers, prices can be double or triple home rates, ranging from €0.50 to €0.80 per kWh in urban areas.
Even at premium public rates, you're looking at €15-€25 per full charge. A comparable petrol fill-up costs €1.73-€2.35 per litre, meaning you can drive 40-50 miles on that money, while the same budget gets an EV 150-250 miles of range.
Long-term savings breakdown
Over a 5-year ownership period with 12,000 miles annually, the average petrol car owner spends roughly €2,400-€3,000 per year on fuel. An EV owner with similar mileage pays about €400-€600 annually for electricity, mostly from home charging.
The fuel cost difference alone saves €1,800-€2,400 yearly. Add in lower maintenance costs, brake wear reduction, and tax advantages in some markets, and the total ownership advantage can exceed €4,000-€5,000 over five years.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest electricity price for EV charging in 2026?
Spain offers the cheapest electricity at €0.267/kWh, followed by France €0.256/kWh and the Netherlands €0.256/kWh. Ireland's electricity costs the most at €0.38/kWh, making home charging about 42% more expensive than in Spain.
How much more expensive is petrol in the Netherlands versus Spain?
Petrol in the Netherlands costs €2.35/L versus €1.733/L in Spain, making Dutch petrol 35% more expensive than Spanish petrol. This price difference significantly impacts total running costs for petrol car drivers in those markets.
Do public charging stations cost more than home charging?
Yes, public charging typically costs double or triple home charging rates. Home charging averages €0.50-€0.70 per kWh, while public DC fast chargers can charge €0.80-€1.50 per kWh. The price premium is higher in urban areas with limited competition.
How much do I save annually by driving electric versus petrol?
For drivers covering 12,000 miles annually, petrol cars cost roughly €2,400-€3,000 yearly in fuel, while EVs cost about €400-€600. This represents savings of €1,800-€2,400 annually, potentially exceeding €4,000-€5,000 over a 5-year ownership period when including maintenance advantages.
Which fuel market has the biggest cost advantage for electric cars?
Spain offers the greatest advantage for electric vehicles. With the cheapest electricity (€0.267/kWh) and relatively low petrol prices (€1.733/L), Spanish EV owners see the highest percentage savings over petrol cars, making electric particularly attractive in that market.
How do I calculate my potential EV savings?
Multiply your current petrol consumption by your local fuel price to get annual petrol costs. Compare this to €0.220/kWh × your EV's kWh per mile consumption. Add in maintenance savings and any tax advantages for EV owners in most markets for complete understanding of real savings.